The money will be used to set up more smoking cessation groups

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison made the announcement at Scotland's first ever smoking cessation conference in Glasgow.

Ms Robison said the cash would be used to establish groups in work places and social clubs as well as deprived areas.

Figures show there are about 57,000 smokers in the area and 15 smoking cessation groups.

'Smoking rates'

The minister said health boards faced a challenging task in taking smoking cessation clinics to more accessible places.

She added: "Great strides have already been made in reducing the numbers of smokers in Forth Valley in recent years, and creating an environment which supports people to give up by introducing the smoking ban.

"However, there is no room for complacency as more work remains to be done to reduce smoking rates, especially in young people."